Holographic Sporting/Combat Optic With Reticles Recorded At Different Distances

ABSTRACT

A holographic sporting/combat optic may be mounted to weapon. The holographic sporting/combat optic includes a laser diode, a holographic recording element and one or more optical components arranged in a housing. In response to a light beam incident thereon, the holographic recording element projects a composite, multidimensional reticle image into the optical viewing window. Of note, the holographic recording element has two or more reticle elements recorded thereon which form the composite reticle image. Each of the two or more reticle elements is captured at a different distance from the weapon during different exposures of the holographic recording element.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to holographic sporting/combat opticswith enhanced reticles.

BACKGROUND

Holographic sporting/combat optic is a non-magnifying weapon sight thatallows the user looking through an optical viewing window to see areticle superimposed at a specific distance in the field of view. Thereticle is a three-dimensional holographic image recorded on aholographic recording medium. The reticle is formed when a light beam isprojected through the holographic recording medium. Conventionalholographic sporting/combat optics are not parallax free at more thanone single distance at which the holographic element's image wascaptured. Rather, when the user moves their head laterally behind thesight, an error is introduced between the reticle and the optical axisof the sight at any other distance than that at which the holographicelement's image was captured. Therefore, it is desirable to provide aholographic sporting/combat optic that reduces or eliminates parallax atmore than one distance in space.

It would also be desirable to enhance use of the holographicsporting/combat optic by integrating ballistic reference data as well asother information into the holographic images projected by theholographic recording element.

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In one aspect, a holographic sporting/combat optic is presented which issuitable for use with a particular weapon. The optic includes: a housingdefining an optical viewing window and configured to mount to a weapon;a laser diode supported in the housing and operable to emit a beam oflight; a holographic recording element that projects a composite reticleimage in the optical viewing window in response to a light beam incidentthereon; and one or more optical components arranged in the housing todirect the beam of light from the laser diode onto the holographicrecording element. The holographic recording element includes two ormore reticle elements recorded thereon and forming the composite reticleimage, such that the two or more reticle elements are captured duringdifferent exposures of the holographic recording element and at adifferent distances from the weapon.

In another aspect, the holographic recording element projects acomposite reticle image along a line of sight axis in the opticalviewing window as well as projects ballistic reference data in theoptical viewing window but outside of a viewing area of the target scenethat surrounds the composite reticle image. The composite reticle imagemay be recorded on a first plane of the holographic recording element;whereas, the ballistic reference data may be recorded on a second of theholographic recording element that differs from the first plane. Theballistic reference data may include a descriptor for the particularweapon and, for each of the two or more reticle elements, an indicia fora given reticle element and a corresponding distance at which the givenreticle element was captured at when recorded on the holographicrecording element.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a holographic sporting/combat optic mounted on aweapon;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting the core components which comprisethe holographic sporting/combat optic;

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting an example embodiment of an opticalsubsystem for use in the holographic sporting/combat optic;

FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams depicting a first example embodiment of areticle image produced by the holographic sporting/combat optic;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams depicting a second example embodiment of areticle image produced by the holographic sporting/combat optic;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating ballistic reference dataintegrated into the image projected by the holographic sporting/combatoptic;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating other types of data that may beintegrated into the image projected by the holographic sporting/combatoptic; and

FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting a different embodiment of a reticle imageproduced by the holographic sporting/combat optic illustrating.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a holographic sporting/combat optic 10 isshown mounted to a weapon 11. The holographic sporting/combat optic 10allows a user to look through an optical viewing window 8 and projects areticle image into the field of view as seen through the optical viewingwindow. A housing 12 of the holographic sporting/combat optic 10 definesan interior chamber for housing optical components therein. A mountingbase 14 is provided on the bottom of the housing 12 and functions toattach the holographic sporting/combat optic 10 to the weapon. Varioustypes of attachment methods may be employed depending upon the type ofweapon. While the weapon is shown as a handgun, it is readily understoodthat the holographic sporting/combat optic 10 may be suitable for usewith other types of weapons, including a rifle, a bow, etc.

Within the housing 12, the holographic sporting/combat optic 10 includesa laser diode 22, one or more optical components 23 and a holographicrecording medium 24. The laser diode 22 is powered by a power source 21,such as a battery, and operates to emit a beam of light. In the responseto a light beam incident thereon, the holographic recording medium 24projects a reticle image into the optical viewing window of theholographic sporting/combat optic 10. One or more optical components 23are used to direct the beam of light from the laser diode 22 onto theholographic recording medium 24. Example optical components include butare not limited to mirrors, lens, diffraction gratings, etc.

An adjustment mechanism 13 is interfaced between the housing 12 and themounting base 14. The adjustment mechanism 13 enables the user to movethe housing 12 relative to the mounting base 14. More specifically, theadjustment mechanism includes a subassembly for adjusting elevationalangle of the housing and another subassembly for adjusting azimuth angleof the housing. Different types of mechanical or electro-mechanicalmechanisms are known in the art and may be implemented in theholographic weapons sight 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates an optical subsystem 30 for a holographicsporting/combat optic 10. In general, the optical subsystem includes alight source 31, a holographic recording element 32 and one or moreoptical components. During operation, the light source 31 emits a beamof light. In response to the light beam being incident thereon, theholographic recording element 32 projects a composite reticle image intothe optical viewing window 8 of the holographic sporting/combat optic10. One or more optical components, such as mirrors, lens anddiffraction gratings, are arranged in the housing to direct the lightbeam from the light source onto a surface of the holographic recordingelement.

In an example embodiment of the optical subsystem 30, the light sourceis further defined as a laser diode. The light beam from the laser diodeis directed towards two folding mirrors 33, 34 which cooperate toredirect the light beam towards a collimating lens 35. The collimatedbeam from the collimating lens is then directed towards the holographicrecording element 32. In some embodiments, the collimating beam may passthrough a diffraction grating 36 before reaching the holographicrecording element 32. In response to the collimated beam being incidentthereon, the holographic recording element 32 projects a hologram of areticle. It is to be understood that only the relevant opticalcomponents are discussed in relation to FIG. 3, but that othercomponents may be incorporated in the holographic sporting/combat optic10.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, the composite reticle image 40 projectedby the holographic sporting/combat optic 10 is comprised of two or morereticle elements. In an example embodiment, the composite reticle image40 includes a first reticle element 41, a second reticle element 42, athird reticle element 43 and fourth reticle element 44. Each reticleelement preferably includes multiple markings. For example, the firstreticle element 41 may be a center dot surrounded by a circle; whereas,the second reticle element 42, the third reticle element 43 and fourthreticle element 44 may be two dashes (or dots, chevrons, arrows or othergeometric shape) positioned at different spacing above or below thecenter dot. More importantly, each of these four reticle elements iscaptured at a different distance from the weapon during differentexposures of the holographic recording element. The reticle elements canbe recorded onto the holographic recording element 32 using holographicimage multiplexing. In some embodiments, one or more reticle elementsmay be positioned above the center dot while other reticle elements arepositioned below the center dot. In other embodiments, reticle elementsabove the center dot are reference points for one type of weapon;whereas, reticle elements below the center dot are reference points foranother type of weapon. It is understood that a composite reticle image40 can include more or less than four reticle elements.

More specifically, each reticle element (i.e., layer) is captured atwhatever distance is required to align that layer with a ballisticreference point. For example, if the center reference dot's effectivedistance is 100 meters, the dot's layer would be captured at thatdistance. If the second reference dashes are accurate at 400 meters,those dashes are captured at that distance (and so on). As seen in FIG.4C, the first reticle element 41, the second reticle element 42, thethird reticle element 43 and the fourth reticle element 44 are capturedat 100 meters, 400 meters, 600 meters and 800 meters, respectively. Inanother example, the composite reticle image 50 includes only threereticle elements as seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this example, the firstreticle element 51, the second reticle element 52, and the third reticleelement 53 are captured at 50 meters, 400 meters, and 600 meters,respectively. These distances are merely illustrative and may vary indifferent embodiments.

When the user observes the composite reticle image directly through theoptic's line of sight, the user sees one reticle image 40, with variousballistic reference points that exist at their individually captureddistances, thereby minimizing or eliminating parallax when aimed attargets at those distances. In other words, different parts of a singlecomposite reticle image 40 are captured in the recording material 32 atdifferent times, and each time records its particular set of ballisticdata at its own specific distance (relative to the selected ballisticcharacteristics of a chosen weapon platform and type of ammunition).Each reference point captured in space would exhibit parallax as a realobject would at that distance. Subsequently, when the user aligns theballistic reference point with a target at the same or a similardistance, the reference point's location at the target plane wouldsignificantly reduce or eliminate the overall impact of parallax on theuser's accuracy and ability to hit the target.

Reticles are preferably designed to correspond to known ballisticreference points for a particular weapon. In the example embodiment,each reticle element in the composite reticle image corresponds toballistic reference points for the same weapon platform. For a givenweapon platform and ammunition type, a ballistic reference point may bedefined as a distance from the weapon (along the line of sight axis) andan expected deviation (e.g., drop distance) by a projectile fired by theweapon from the line of sight axis at the corresponding distance. It isreadily understood that the placement of the reticle elements compensatefor the corresponding drop distance. In other embodiments, the reticleelements correspond to a known blast radius or a known trajectory arcfor a particular explosive ammunition. Ballistic reference points canalso include height above bore, barrel type and length, or ambientweather conditions.

By way of example, a composite reticle image may be designed for usewith a M4 carbine (having 14.5″ barrel with a 1/7 twist) using M855 ammo(i.e., 5.56×45 mm NATO ammunition). Known ballistic reference points forthis weapon platform are set forth in the chart below.

M855 Ball, M4 Compensated Mark Distance Drop Center 100 meters  0″ Up 1400 meters 27″ Up 2 600 meters   92.3″

A different reticle image may be designed for use with a M240L mediummachine gun (having 20.8″ barrel with 1/12 twist) using M80 ball ammo(i.e., 7.62×51 mm NATO ammunition); ballistic reference points for thisweapon platform are set forth in the chart below.

M80 Ball, M240L Mark Distance Compensated Drop Center 100 meters 0″  Up1 400 meters  32.5″ Up 2 600 meters 101.9″ Up 3 800 meters 235.4″

For illustration purposes, ballistic reference points for two additionalweapon platforms are also set forth below. First, ballistic referencepoints for a M2 Browning machine gun (45″ barrel with a 1/15 twist)using M33 ball ammo (i.e., 12.7×99 mm NATO ammunition) is as follows.

M33 Ball, M2 Mark Distance Compensated Drop Center 100 meters  0″ Up 1400 meters  22.1″ Up 2 600 meters 64″  Up 3 800 meters 133.6″ Up 4 1000meters  237.9″

Second, ballistic reference points for a 30.06 Springfield Model 700hunting rifle (24″ barrel with a 1/10 twist) using 150 grain Hornady SPInterlock bullet (i.e., 30.06 Springfield ammunition) is as follows.

30.06 Springfield, Model 700 Mark Distance Compensated Drop Center 100meters 0″  Up 1 400 meters 30.5″ Up 2 600 meters 96.4″ Up 3 800 meters224.5″ 

From these examples, it is readily understood how different compositereticle images can be implemented with reticle elements corresponding todifferent ballistic reference points for a particular weapon platform.The weapon platforms and ballistic reference points are merelyillustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

In another aspect of this disclosure, ballistic reference data as wellas other data may be integrated into the image projected by theholographic recording element. In one example embodiment, a ballistictable 61 is displayed adjacent to the reticle image 40 as seen in FIGS.6A and 6B. The ballistic table 61 presents ballistic reference data fora particular weapon. In the example embodiment, the ballistic table 61presents ballistic reference data for each of the reticle elements inthe adjacent composite reticle image 40. The ballistic reference datamay include but is not limited to a descriptor 62 for the particularweapons and, for each reticle element, an indicia for the given reticleelement 63 and a corresponding distance 64 at which the given reticleelement was captured. In FIG. 6, the ballistic reference data is for aM240 L medium machine gun and includes four reference points at 100meters, 400 meters, 600 meters and 800 meters. In this case, indicia 63for the reference points is “center” for the center dot, “Up 1” for thereticle element immediately above the center dot, “Up 2” for the reticleelement two removed from the center dot and so on.

In another example, the ballistic table 61 may include a descriptor forthe particular weapons, an indicia for two or more reticle elements anda corresponding distance at which the reticle element was captured.Indicia for reference point may also take the form of a graphicalrepresentation of the reticle. Other types of indicia are alsocontemplated by this disclosure. Likewise, the ballistic reference datamay include other data elements and may be presented in forms other thana table.

The holographic sporting/combat optic 10 defines a line of sight axis 65through the optical viewing window 66, such that the line of sight axisaligns with the center dot of the reticle image and is parallel with alongitudinal axis of barrel of the weapon. The ballistic reference datais offset from the line of sight axis in the optical viewing window. Forexample, a viewing area of the target scene surrounds the compositereticle image and may be defined, for example as 45 degrees either sideof the line of sight axis (i.e., 90 to 135 degrees). The ballisticreference data can be projected in an area that is offset 45 to 90degrees from the line of sight axis (i.e., assuming a 90 degree field ofview with the line of sight axis at the midpoint). That is, theballistic reference data may be projected to the left of the field ofview (i.e., 0 to 45 degrees) or to the right of the field of view (i.e.,135 to 180 degrees). In this way, the ballistic reference data 61 isprojected outside of a viewing area 68 that surrounds the compositereticle image 40 as indicated in FIG. 6B. Holographic image multiplexingallows large format, 3D patterns to be recorded and projected with nodistortion or field curvature. This creates the ability to incorporateoff-axis ballistic tables or other reference imagery in alignment withor out of alignment with the line of sight axis of the target scenethrough any type of optic incorporated in the holographicsporting/combat optic 10.

Furthermore, other types of data or images may be displayed in place ofor in addition to the ballistic reference data. For example, a “9 lineMEDEVAC report” may be displayed opposite of a ballistic table as shownin FIG. 7. Logos or other marketing images may be projected by theholographic recording element. These examples are merely illustrative ofthe different types of information that may be displayed off-axis inconjunction with the composite reticle image.

In a different embodiment, the reticle elements in a composite reticlemay be rings demonstrating blast radii of explosive ammunition.Referring to FIG. 8, the composite reticle 80 may be comprised of threerings that simulate the blast radius of a particular explosiveammunition, such as a M799 high explosive incendiary. In this example,the three rings define three different zones: kill, maim and safe. Thekill zone is defined by the inner circle 81, the maim zone is defined bythe middle ring 82 and the safe zone is defined by the outer ring 83.The composite reticle 80 may include a text label for each zone. Eachzone could also be highlighted, for example with a different transparentshading or coloring. Distances signify the outer boundary for eachcorresponding zone when the ammunition is exploded at a predefineddistance from the weapon. In this example, the three rings are capturedand recorded onto the holographic recording element 32 at one predefineddistance. It is understood that the distances of the boundaries may varydepending on the distance at which the ammunition exploded from theweapon.

Alternatively, the rings of the composite reticle 80 may be captured atdifferent distances from the weapon during different exposures of theholographic recording element 32. In this case, each ring indicates theblast radius for the particular explosive ammunition at the recordeddistance. For example, the inner circle indicates the blast radius whenthe ammunition is exploded at 3000 meters, the middle ring indicates theblast radius when the ammunition is exploded at 2000 meters and theouter ring indicates the blast radius when the ammunition is exploded at1000 meters. For each zone, the composite reticle may also include atext label indicating the recorded distance. This enables to the user tobe aware of the potential impact at the recorded distance and avoidunwanted damage.

To further help understand the implications of the explosion at eachrecorded distance from the weapon, a ranging table can also be presentedoff-axis. An example ranging table is set forth below.

M799 High Explosive Incendiary (HEI) Blast Radius Reticle Ring DistanceInner Ring 3000 meters Middle Ring 2000 meters Outer Ring 1000 meters

Additionally or alternatively, each zone in the composite reticle couldbe highlighted, for example with a different transparent shading orcoloring. For example, the inner circle could be highlighted red, themiddle ring could be highlight blue and the outer ring could behighlights green.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

1.-8. (canceled)
 9. A holographic sporting/combat optic suitable for usewith a particular weapon, comprising: a housing defining an opticalviewing window and configured to mount to a weapon; a laser diodesupported in the housing and operable to emit a beam of light; aholographic recording element, in response to a light beam incidentthereon, projects a composite reticle image along a line of sight axisin the optical viewing window and projects ballistic reference data inthe optical viewing window but outside of a viewing area of the targetscene that surrounds the composite reticle image, wherein the compositereticle image and the ballistic reference data is recorded on theholographic recording element; and one or more optical componentsarranged in the housing to direct the beam of light from the laser diodeonto the holographic recording element.
 10. The holographicsporting/combat optic of claim 9 wherein the ballistic reference dataincludes a descriptor for the particular weapon.
 11. The holographicsporting/combat optic of claim 10 wherein the ballistic reference datafurther includes a type of ammunition, a distance from the weapon and ameasure of deviation from the line of sight axis at the correspondingdistance by a projectile fired by the weapon.
 12. The holographicweapons sight of claim 9 wherein the holographic recording element hasat least two reticle elements forming the composite reticle image andrecorded thereon, such that each of the at least two reticle elements iscaptured at different distances from the weapon.
 13. The holographicweapons sight of claim 12 wherein the ballistic reference data includesan indicia for each of the at least two reticle elements and acorresponding distance at which the reticle element was captured whenrecorded on the holographic recording element.
 14. The holographicsporting/combat optic of claim 9 wherein the viewing area of the targetscene is defined 45 degrees either side of the line of sight axis andthe ballistic reference data is projected in an area offset more than 45degrees from the line of sight axis.
 15. The holographic sporting/combatoptic of claim 9 wherein the composite reticle image is recorded on afirst plane of the holographic recording element and the ballisticreference data is recorded on a second plane of the holographicrecording element that differs from the first plane. 16.-21. (canceled)22. A holographic sporting/combat optic suitable for use with aparticular weapon, comprising: a housing defining an optical viewingwindow and configured to mount to a weapon; a laser diode supported inthe housing and operable to emit a beam of light; a holographicrecording element, in response to a light beam incident thereon,projects a composite reticle image along a line of sight axis in theoptical viewing window and projects reference data in the opticalviewing window but outside of a viewing area of the target scene thatsurrounds the composite reticle image, wherein the composite reticleimage and the ballistic reference data is recorded on the holographicrecording element; and one or more optical components arranged in thehousing to direct the beam of light from the laser diode onto theholographic recording element.
 23. The holographic sporting/combat opticof claim 22 wherein the reference data includes requirements for amedical evacuation request.
 24. The holographic sporting/combat optic ofclaim 22 wherein the reference data includes a descriptor for theparticular weapon, a type of ammunition, a distance from the weapon anda measure of deviation from the line of sight axis at the correspondingdistance by a projectile fired by the weapon.
 25. The holographicweapons sight of claim 22 wherein the holographic recording element hasat least two reticle elements forming the composite reticle image andrecorded thereon, such that each of the at least two reticle elements iscaptured at different distances from the weapon.
 26. The holographicweapons sight of claim 25 wherein the ballistic reference data includesan indicia for each of the at least two reticle elements and acorresponding distance at which the reticle element was captured whenrecorded on the holographic recording element.
 27. The holographicsporting/combat optic of claim 22 wherein the viewing area of the targetscene is defined 45 degrees either side of the line of sight axis andthe ballistic reference data is projected in an area offset more than 45degrees from the line of sight axis.
 28. The holographic sporting/combatoptic of claim 22 wherein the composite reticle image is recorded on afirst plane of the holographic recording element and the ballisticreference data is recorded on a second plane of the holographicrecording element that differs from the first plane.
 29. A holographicsporting/combat optic suitable for use with a particular weapon,comprising: a housing defining an optical viewing window and configuredto mount to a weapon; a laser diode supported in the housing andoperable to emit a beam of light; a holographic recording element, inresponse to a light beam incident thereon, projects a composite reticleimage along a line of sight axis in the optical viewing window andprojects ballistic reference data in the optical viewing window butoutside of a viewing area of the target scene that surrounds thecomposite reticle image, wherein line of sight axis is parallel with alongitudinal axis of barrel of the particular weapon and the viewingarea of the target scene is defined up to 45 degrees either side of theline of sight axis and the composite reticle image and the ballisticreference data is recorded on the holographic recording element; and oneor more optical components arranged in the housing to direct the beam oflight from the laser diode onto the holographic recording element. 30.The holographic sporting/combat optic of claim 29 wherein the ballisticreference data includes a descriptor for the particular weapon.
 31. Theholographic sporting/combat optic of claim 30 wherein the ballisticreference data further includes a type of ammunition, a distance fromthe weapon and a measure of deviation from the line of sight axis at thecorresponding distance by a projectile fired by the weapon.
 32. Theholographic weapons sight of claim 29 wherein the holographic recordingelement has at least two reticle elements forming the composite reticleimage and recorded thereon, such that each of the at least two reticleelements is captured at different distances from the weapon.
 33. Theholographic weapons sight of claim 32 wherein the ballistic referencedata includes an indicia for each of the at least two reticle elementsand a corresponding distance at which the reticle element was capturedwhen recorded on the holographic recording element.
 34. The holographicsporting/combat optic of claim 29 wherein the composite reticle image isrecorded on a first plane of the holographic recording element and theballistic reference data is recorded on a second plane of theholographic recording element that differs from the first plane.